Ruth Ann Curry Johnson

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Ruth Ann Curry Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, whose radiant warmth and boundless kindness illuminated the lives of all who knew her. Surrounded by her family, she passed away suddenly on April 24, 2024, from health complications at the age of 75. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, love for teaching, and unwavering love for her family. 

Born on January 26, 1949, to Arthur & Phyllis (Andrews) Curry in Monroe, WI. Ruth spent her childhood in Darlington, WI. She graduated from UW River Falls in 1970 with a degree in Elementary Education and later earned a Master of Education Degree from UW La Crosse. While attending UW River Falls, she met the love of her life, Douglas Johnson, who she married on August 5, 1972. This year they would have celebrated 52 years of marriage. 

Ruth taught kindergarten for one year at Howard Suamico School near Green Bay, WI, followed by almost 10 years at Dakota Elementary School in IL, and 30 years in Sun Prairie, WI, primarily at CH Bird Elementary School. She adored being a kindergarten teacher, and cared for all her students and fellow staff members as if they were family.

Ruth’s family was her joy in life. She was so proud of her two daughters, Danielle (Scott) Werner and Emily (Rick Sander) Johnson, and she especially loved being a grandma to Hailey Morgan Weisensel and Alexander Werner. Spoiling her grandkids was her passion, and they both adored her. 

In retirement she enjoyed travelling with Doug to many places, but she especially enjoyed Bonita Springs, FL. You could always count on her to take lots and lots of beautiful photos of flowers, birds, sunsets, and her family.

Ruth Johnson is survived by her loving husband, daughters, granddaughter, grandson, son-in-law, and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly, including sister Nancy (Terry) Litz, sister in-law Linda Curry, brothers-in-law Bob Scheele, Gary Johnson, and Greg (Dawn) Johnson along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews. Though she may be gone, her love will live on in our hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her mother and father in-law, Walter and Evelyn Johnson, sister Connie Scheele, brother George Curry, and sister in-law Hollie Johnson.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ruth Johnson will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie. Friends may greet the family from 11:00 AM until the time of services Sunday. 

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie the Pooh

Please share your memories of Ruth by posting in her Guestbook.
Cress Funeral Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054